Rock Racing refused license, Landis deal looks to be off

The International Cycling Union's (UCI) Management Committee has made a ruling on the appeals brought by the three teams that were refused registration as UCI Professional Continental Teams for the 2010 season. The Androni Giocattoli and Xacobeo Galicia teams both had their registrations approved; however the American Rock Racing team, owned by fashion designer Michael Ball, was again refused.

The UCI decision means that American Floyd Landis will likely not be joining the Rock Racing team for 2010. Landis was released from his contract with the Momentum Sports Group late last year, so he could again pursue a racing career in Europe.

“Momentum Sports Group (MSG) and Floyd Landis have mutually agreed to terminate Landis’ Rider Agreement,” the team said a statement released at the time. “[It will] thereby release both Landis and MSG from their respective obligations under the Rider Agreement for the remainder of the 2009 and 2010 racing seasons."

Landis returned to racing last year after serving a two year suspension for doping during the 2006 Tour de France. The Pro Continental license was a contingent for the American signing with the team since his plan was to return to racing in Europe. “We’re obviously very disappointed but are working diligently to satisfy every requirement that is being asked of us,” Ball said in a statement after their initial application was refused. “We are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure we can race next year.”

It's unclear what will happen to the Rock Racing team at this point. The UCI said in a statement that the decision was taken based on dossiers that the teams had presented to them, along with advice from their auditors Ernst & Young. They also clarified that all appeals were done in accordance with Article 2.16.017 of the UCI Regulations.

Androni Giocattoli and the Xacobeo Galicia teams have both also applied for wildcard status, which would make them eligible candidates for invitations to major European races. The UCI said it can now consider their wildcard applications.